Published: July 04, 2008 11:32 pm         

Johnson in dual role at WVU

MORGANTOWN — Will Johnson was a running back and linebacker at Centerville High in Dayton, Ohio. But because of his athleticism, he saw action as a wide receiver for West Virginia University last season as a true freshman.

Now the 6-foot-2, 220-pound sophomore will be in the mix at tight end/fullback this fall. He hopes filling the dual role that graduated Owen Schmitt held the past two years is where he can settle in and be a major contributor to the Mountaineers’ potent offense.

“Right now I’m just trying to get bigger,” Johnson said. “The coaches want me to play at about 230 or 235. I’m in the group of guys that have to gain some weight. Some guys have to lose weight.”

He believes he can take advantage of going against a linebacker because of his familiarity with that position. He also feels he will bring a lot of speed to the tight end spot.

“Blocking is not a big thing since I’m used to it from last season as a receiver,” Johnson said. “But I’ve got to get bigger to bump against bigger guys now. And I’ve got to earn playing time.”

Others who will be competing at tight end/fullback include senior Sam Morrone, junior Maxwell Anderson and redshirt freshman Tyler Rader.

“We all will be in the battle for the starting job, head-to-head, when fall camp starts (Aug. 1),” Johnson noted. “I think the new coaching staff will use the tight end a lot more than the former coaching staff did.”

In some formations Johnson will line up in the backfield, but in most he will be up front on the line. So he has been learning a combination of positions.

Jeff Mullen, WVU’s new offensive coordinator, used the H-back successfully while at Wake Forest.

“I knew something about it myself,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited about it. I can hardly wait.

“The transition from wide receiver to tight end was easier than I expected. But there is more to it than I thought. I picked up thing really well in the spring. So in summer workouts I’ve been focusing on getting bigger.”

He admittedly has become more comfortable with the offense than he had been before the switch. Getting the timing down in spring practice really helped, too.

Johnson hopes to have everything down pat when the season starts on Aug. 30 against Villanova at home.